Policy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator

DePelchin Children’s Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 68,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Texans Together seeks a Policy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator to serve as the organization’s lead resource for legislative affairs, policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and government relations in Houston, TX.

Reporting to the Director of Special Projects, you will monitor developments, advise leadership, and build relationships with policymakers while coordinating advocacy activities and policy implementation strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum two years’ experience in government affairs or public policy.
• Experience with the Texas Legislature, agencies, or lawmakers.
• Experience in child welfare, community-based care, or nonprofit advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor local, state, and federal legislation and policy developments.
• Analyze bills and assess impact on operations and stakeholders.
• Develop policy summaries, reports, and executive recommendations.
• Coordinate advocacy activities and engage policymakers.
• Prepare talking points and stakeholder communications.
• Cultivate relationships with Texas legislators and staff.
• Lead policy-focused projects and initiatives.
• Represent the organization at hearings and stakeholder meetings.
• Track deadlines and opportunities for strategic engagement.

Skills

Texas legislative processes

Written communication

Verbal communication

Policy analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Organization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Public Administration, Social Work, Communications, or related field

Job description

Position: Policy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Director, Special Projects

Company: Texans Together

Location: Houston, TX

Position Description

The Policy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator serves as the organization's lead resource for legislative affairs, policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and government relations. This position monitors legislative and regulatory developments, analyzes their impact on organizational priorities, and provides recommendations to executive leadership regarding advocacy efforts and implementation strategies. Working closely with the Director of Special Projects, the Coordinator will help develop and execute legislative engagement strategies, build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, coordinate advocacy activities, and support organizational readiness for policy and regulatory changes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor legislation, regulatory activity, and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Track bills and legislative initiatives relevant to the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
• Analyze proposed legislation and assess potential impacts on operations, programs, and stakeholders.
• Develop policy summaries, legislative reports, issue briefs, and executive-level recommendations.
• Provide strategic guidance regarding emerging policy issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the organization's advocacy agenda and legislative priorities.
• Execute advocacy strategies and activities aligned with organizational goals.
• Prepare policy positions, talking points, briefing documents, and stakeholder communications.
• Recommend advocacy approaches and engagement opportunities based on legislative developments.
• Coordinate organizational responses to policy proposals and legislative initiatives.
• Support the cultivation and maintenance of relationships with members of the Texas Legislature, legislative staff, state agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Support leadership engagement with elected officials and policy influencers.
• Coordinate legislative meetings, site visits, presentations, and informational briefings.
• Represent the organization at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Serve as a liaison between the organization and governmental entities.
• Support legislative engagement efforts during legislative sessions and interim periods.
• Track committee hearings, legislative deadlines, policy proposals, and stakeholder activities.
• Identify opportunities for strategic engagement and advocacy.
• Prepare leadership for legislative meetings, testimony, and policy discussions.
• Lead policy-focused projects and strategic initiatives.
• Research emerging trends, best practices, and policy innovations relevant to child welfare and community-based care.
• Develop reports, presentations, dashboards, and briefing materials for executive leadership and board members.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Public Administration, Social Work, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, advocacy, child welfare, public administration, communications, or a related field.
• Experience working with the Texas Legislature, legislative offices, state agencies, or governmental entities.
• Experience in child welfare, community-based care, human services, education, healthcare, or nonprofit advocacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Texas legislative processes and policymaking.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise summaries.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to translate strategic direction into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and coordinate work across teams without formal authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and a willingness to take ownership of projects and results.

Work Conditions

• Environment: Office
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Travel: Occasional (Must have reliable transportation, valid Texas Driver License and current Auto Insurance)

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.